Going Green With Your Kitchen Remodel

Going Green With Your Kitchen Remodel

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February 7, 2017

The kitchen is the perfect room to go “green.”

You can literally build your kitchen from the ground up with healthy materials.  The kitchen provides multiple opportunities and alternatives you can incorporate into the overall design.  You can do this when you upgrade/replace your cabinets, appliances, countertops, cabinets, plumbing, insulation and flooring.

The first thing you may be wondering about is cost.

COST OF GREEN REMODELING

While there’s no way we can predict your exact cost without asking you some detailed questions, it’s safe to say that your costs will be in line with the size and scope of the remodel.

One myth we need to dispel right here and now is that green automatically equates to more expensive materials.  The majority of green building materials are now cost-competitive with traditional materials.  Also green remodeling typically focuses on creating low-maintenance, longer-lasting kitchens — so you pay far less in repair and replacement costs over the life of your kitchen.

Another major focus of green kitchen remodeling is energy conservation and cost savings.   The cost savings for energy will ultimately reduce your costs which will help offset any higher initial remodeling costs.

Even with that said — the real value of a green kitchen goes far beyond money.

Adopting a “green,” energy-efficient design creates a healthier kitchen.  It’s also environmentally responsible and saves energy.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

If you want to increase energy-efficiency by going green with your remodel, here are some tips…

Purchase energy-efficient kitchen appliances.  Replace your old appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models.  This can reduce the cost of running your appliances by upwards of 30%.  A new refrigerator can save enough energy to light your home for three months.

Insulate hot water pipes.  This prevents heat loss as your hot water runs from your heater to your faucet.  This instantly reduces the demands placed on your hot water heater.

Install low-flow water faucets.  Doing this will instantly reduce your water usage as much as 60%.

Install an “on-demand” hot water circulation pump.  This pump shoots hot water to fixtures in seconds.  No more waiting for hot water.  This will make your water heater operate more efficiently, therefore reducing energy costs.

Install radiant floor heating.  This is huge.  Radiant floor heating increases energy efficiency.  It also creates more comfortable and consistent heat, eliminates airborne particulates and even provides heat for the basement below, while heating the kitchen above.

Install adequate insulation.  This leads to more adequate insulation, consistent indoor temperatures, a more pleasing kitchen to spend time in and even reduces noise.

Install green flooring.  You can choose from cork, bamboo, ceramic tile, recycled content ceramic tile, stone flooring tile and FSC-certified engineered wood flooring; all great looking options.  They are also fairly low maintenance.

Install solid slab countertops.  Solid stone countertops including marble and granite are the cream of the crop. Engineered stone and decorative concrete countertops are also good choices.

Install custom cabinetry.  There isn’t a product that comes close custom cabinetry in looks, function, quality or design.  This will be its own article as we want to go in-depth on this topic.

TIME TO GO GREEN

Going with a green kitchen remodel is just plain smart.

You’ll reduce energy costs, create a healthier kitchen, and your kitchen will be higher quality and more comfortable.  It’s also good for the environment and planet as a whole.

Feel free to stop into Builder Supply Outlet or the Edge Showroom with any home improvement questions you may have regarding “green” kitchen cabinets or any other types.  Or call us anytime at 1-708-343-3900.  You can also make an appointment to meet with one of our designers at no charge by clicking here.